The Armour Archive

SyrRhys

My understanding is that broadhead arrows used in the HYW were primarily intended to bring down the horses, specifically by ripping open big old holes in their bodies. Since that was the primary goal of the archers for a big chunk of the battles, broadheads would certainly have been in the greater ...

SyrRhys

For all my teasing, I must admit that I've met decent fighters from every single kingdom. Talented, interesting and capable of generating decent levels of force. I don't really care where they come from as long as they enjoy what we do and don't try to turn it into tappy, whippy, Armoured Fencing (...

SyrRhys

Um... How do you save the SCA if you don't go to SCA events? By spreading the good word, my brother, by spreading the good word. And I could hardly do that by going to Caidan events and getting banished, now could I? And I TOLD you that you and your buddies as well as most of the East and & Atalant...

SyrRhys

mordreth wrote:wild dogs dragging my flaming corpse - Ah I'm kind of ok with that, but I insist on it being through the streets of a city not noted for making nasty lagers.

Duly noted with my apologies. I'll happily insult a man and take his woman, but I'd never make him drink bad beer.

SyrRhys

I don't know that article, actually. I know there was a Battlefield Detectives program where they based that conclusion on one arrowhead they found on the battlefield. I thought it was ridiculous. There is documentary evidence for "well steeled" arrowheads temp. EdIII, and I can't imagine why they ...

SyrRhys

Yes, I agree, but the compression, the demoralization, and obviously the constant rain of arrows still coming in are all the results of arrow fire and all things which arow fire could not have caused if plate was effectively invulnerable to arrows. If the archers had been throwing nerf balls-- or s...

SyrRhys

The only one getting flustered is you. Not so--now I'm having fun! Well I see you have resorted to name calling. Even when you know nothing about my background, physical shape, experience, etc. Name calling? I haven't done any name calling at all. And what does your background, physical shape, etc....

SyrRhys

First you argue that combat archery shouldn't be allowed because it is not historically accurate. Now you point to Corpora to shield you from having to become proficient in all SCA Martial Art forms. English law required Nobility to be proficient in all Martial forms that they would command. So whi...

SyrRhys

There were vast changes in metallurgy throughout the periods being discussed... Speaking of that, Russ, perhaps you can help me with some research I've been running into a problem with: A few years ago I read a metalurgical analysis of bodkin-point arrowheads from Leeds. As is typical of internet s...

SyrRhys

By the way, something I should make clear: I do believe that the vast majority of arrows loosed at Agincourt did NOT penetrate armor enough to cause a serious wound. Some missed entirely of course, but of those that hit, many would have failed to penetrate because of angle of impact, range, quality...

SyrRhys

All Current and Future members of the Order of Chivalry, being symbols of excellence in the Martial Arts of the SCA, should be required to be fully proficient in ALL of the Martial arts. No Tolerance, No exceptions. LOL! Corpora says "in the weapons of tournament combat". That specifically excludes...

SyrRhys

Glad you like my book. I look forward to your post. But let me ask again if you have read my "Efficacy" article. If not, send me your email address and I'll send you a PDF of it. It would probably enrich the argument if you see the evidence assembled there first. Dr. Rogers, I am studying your arti...

SyrRhys

Muriel wrote:Ah - braies and hosen . . . I LOVE these (thanks Rhys).

You're welcome, Muriel. I hope to have a chance to delve more into hot, fashionable undies for a man like me with you soon.

SyrRhys

C'mon - you know you want to go 11th century May wild dogs drag your flaming corpse through the streets of Milwaukee naked! And hello to you, too! Nice knee length bracce Nice smooth layer of linen betwen your skin and the wool Alt - while tighty whities might be appropriate for a youth I would ima...

SyrRhys

Syr Rhys, Glad you like my book. I look forward to your post. But let me ask again if you have read my "Efficacy" article. If not, send me your email address and I'll send you a PDF of it. It would probably enrich the argument if you see the evidence assembled there first. Cliff Dr. Rogers, Please,...

SyrRhys

Damn it! I wrote a long and very detailed response to Dr. Roger's erudite post but the AA suddenly burped and the whole thing was gone! I will attempt to find more time to reply, but in the meantime let me say three things: 1.) Clearly I was mistaken when I said that no serious scholars who had actu...

SyrRhys

that you're not aware of this information, and that there is strenuously- argued, ongoing controversy? How can you possibly claim to be even vaguely aware of the literature, and then pop out this? Because I've seen the tests. Clifford Rogers' War Cruel and Sharp is one of my favorite books on the H...

SyrRhys

Corby de la Flamme wrote:

Alas, pretty close. I couldn't find a picture, which is probably a good thing.[/quote]

EEEEEKK! Color me horrified. Better than Jaguar pajamas, however!

SyrRhys

Try replying to the criticism that is levelled at you, rather than tilting at convenient straw men. THIS statement: Oh, and as to killing fully-armored men at arms, this issue isn't in debate amongst scholars who have researched the subject. .... is bullshit. No, it's not. We have the evidence from...

SyrRhys

I want to see ... this "squatting on your heels like a toad" nonsense simply go away along with lime green polyester leisure suits. So you intend to ban Sir Aggro of Lochac? Why, does he wear lime-green polyester leisure suits? But I haven't the power to ban anyone... Merely to persuade with sweet,...

SyrRhys

I don't. The quote was "fully armored men at arms," not "guys in alwhite," and Rhys has ducked and dodged on that question in this thread ever since I mentioned the death of the Earl of Blois at Adrianople in 1205. For SCA purposes, nobody is going to care if I mention knights in the Teutonic order...

SyrRhys

Sorry about the derailment, people, but I feel a catharsis coming on: The concept, together with the notion of chivalry came to full bloom during the thirteenth century, the apogee in the power and influence of the mounted knight on the battlefield, particularly in France, whose knighthood had the ...

SyrRhys

Huh? How on earth does a word make itself a misnomer? Because the word "chivalry" implies more of a connection with horsemanship than reality proves. Get it? The word "chivalry" implies horsemanship, but as much chivalry was performed on foot as ahorse. That makes it a misnomer. It does? Well of co...

SyrRhys

It also smacks of one time period forcing itâ€™s self on all the other time periods. Though it may not be peoples desire to do so it does come across as my armor and time period is better so I get a bonus. One of the good things about the SCA is its openness to different time periods and looks. But...

SyrRhys

I wish to point out that the word Chivalry is derived from the French word chivalerie which means deeds of arms accomplished upon horseback. And I just pointed out that that makes it a misnomer. The Battle of the Thirty was concluded by a Frenchman on horseback, acting un-chivalricly. Were it not f...

SyrRhys

I never accused you of anything. Not everything is about you . I merely quoted you and agreed that modern people misunderstand chivalry. I don't think Gyrth used the word only . He was brighter than that. Methinks thou dost protest overmuch. Then I humbly apologize for both misunderstanding and for...

SyrRhys

I don't think they'd stop the war to allow the knight to get another shield. I don't think they'd stop the tourney either. I'm all for increasing the target area but didn't you say the shields would just get bigger? I remember a time when shields were required to weigh 2.5 lbs/sq. ft. For that very...

SyrRhys

I totally agree. Those who stalk about upon the dusty ground in spurs that have never graced the flank of a horse and never will, while thumping their chests and calling themselves "knights", and droning on and on about chivalry, do indeed deeply misunderstand the very thing they blather about. His...

SyrRhys

I'm sure there were techniques for avoiding getting your shield busted, but I've also read about squires whose job it was to follow their knight with spare shields for replacing the one he was holding when it broke. That's the point--our magical unbreakable shields aren't really an issue because in...

SyrRhys

The truth is that many in the CA community are willing to make compromises, and perfectly valid ones too, in spite of your objections, but you aren't. You just keep howling about banning all combat archery with no willingness to examine the issue from a middle-of-the-road standpoint. The only reaso...

SyrRhys

If it took away the magical impenetrable shield (yeah, I hate those too) I'd be glad to pay double my yearly dues. I only suggested a boss because it would require a real gauntlet. If you come up with a way to make it with a regular heater shape I'd be all over it. I've thought about plywood but it...

SyrRhys

Rhys: we already have everything we want. Until the vocal minority becomes either the Powers That Be or the Vocal Majority, this is all just a bunch of fairly entertaining yet ultimately useless debate. It's not useless debate. I'm winning people over, abnd it wouldn't be useless even if I wasn't: ...

SyrRhys

Rhys: re: deforming shields... have you thought about a couple of layers of heavy leather around a central boss? hit it, it deforms until it's too small to be of any use, then literally "iron" it out on a press between bouts. No, I've never considered that. Wouldn't the leather grow soft in pretty ...

SyrRhys

I seem to recall some king somewhere removing royal support of fencing. Damn near got himself run out of his own kingdom... Nonsense, they got their panties in a twist because the then Senschal spread a lot of misinformation about me--a fact he has admitted in writing and performed penance for (for...

SyrRhys

Boy, wouldn't that be nice? Some years back, I stopped falling down dead in tournaments (still do it in wars, as it adds to the general ambiance of the battlefield to have dead people strewn about), instead opting to call "well struck!", step out of range, kneel, bow my head and place my sword poin...

Re: The girdle etc

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